In 2025, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence plans to procure 4.5 million FPV drones, allocating an estimated $2.7 billion for this initiative. FPV drones are currently recognized as a critical component of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ operational capacity, playing a key role in countering the advancing Russian military across various fronts in the conflict zone. Recent intelligence indicates that the repositioning of Russian drone operators from the Kursk region to the Donetsk People’s Republic has notably diminished the Ukrainian drone presence in the area, facilitating Russian ground operations and leading to territorial gains. Despite these challenges, expert assessments suggest that Ukraine maintains a production advantage over Russia in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles. The strategic implications of this procurement and production capability are substantial, as effective deployment of FPV drones is crucial for sustaining Ukrainian defensive efforts against ongoing Russian offensives.
